By Our Reporter 

Soroti City - political storm is brewing in Soroti City as Agonyo Juliet, the Speaker of Soroti City Council, mounts a serious challenge against incumbent Member of Parliament Hon. Alobo Joan for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party ticket ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Agonyo was officially nominated on Tuesday afternoon at the FDC regional offices in Soroti, setting the stage for what insiders describe as one of the most closely watched internal contests in the party’s ongoing primary elections.

The nomination comes at a critical time for the FDC, which is seeking to rejuvenate its grassroots structures and field strong candidates across the country. Agonyo's candidacy is widely seen as a bold move that signals dissatisfaction with the status quo and growing calls for change within Soroti’s political landscape.

Hon. Alobo Joan, who has served as Soroti City Woman MP since 2021, is seeking re-election under the same party banner. However, her re-nomination is now under threat as Agonyo emerges as a formidable contender with strong support among youth groups, local leaders, and grassroots mobilizers.

Speaking after her nomination, Agonyo emphasized her readiness to lead and challenged the current leadership on what she described as “years of unmet promises and underwhelming service delivery.”

“Our people are tired of excuses. They want action, transparency, and real solutions. I believe this is the time for new leadership that listens and acts,” she said.

Agonyo has centered her campaign on a reformist agenda focused on improving healthcare, education, infrastructure, and financial accountability. She criticized the current state of Soroti Regional Hospital, citing lack of essential drugs and understaffing, and vowed to advocate for increased funding to public health institutions if elected to Parliament.

“Our hospital is in crisis. It’s unacceptable that our people have to travel miles in search of medicine. I will not stay silent on this,” she said firmly.

She also took aim at the city’s stagnant development budget, which has remained at UGX 27 billion since Soroti was elevated from municipality to city status, arguing that the figure is inadequate for its growing population.

“How can we expect progress when our budget hasn’t changed with our status? This is a fight I’m ready to take to Parliament,” Agonyo declared.